MENTAL HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT FOR STUDENTS AT VNU-HCM: A FUNCTIONAL MANAGEMENT APPROACH AND PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

Abstract

The study focuses on assessing the current situation and proposing solutions to enhance the management of mental health care for students at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), using a functional management approach that includes planning, organising, directing and controlling. The survey results show that administrators, lecturers and academic advisors highly value the role of mental health in supporting students’ holistic development. However, the current management practices remain fragmented, insufficiently practical and do not fully address the diverse needs of students. Based on theoretical, legal foundations and research findings, five key measures are proposed: raising awareness; developing mental health care plans based on real-world data; allocating resources effectively; creating a safe and supportive campus environment and establishing clear criteria for evaluating effectiveness. These recommendations aim to professionalise and improve the quality of mental health care management in higher education institutions.